The USA and Safety Belt Use: A Prognosis for the Remainder of the '80s

The magnitude of road-related trauma as a public health problem is presented. The various unsuccessful techniques to increase safety belt use over the last two decades are described to emphasize the fact that, in the short term, safety belt use legislation is the only remaining option to reduce the toll. Several events occurring since the late 1970s that suggest a more favorable political environment for belt use laws are discussed. The estimated cost savings that can be anticipated with a belt use law can provide a formidable argument in legislative proceedings. Finally, the New York State plan is highlighted as one example of a belt use law strategy.